How we Dojo
In 5th grade, we are using a site called Class Dojo for positive behavior management. On this website, you can check your student's behavior daily to see how they performed in all their classes. Please create an account using your parent code! If you have any questions about your student's behavior, feel free to send me a message through Class Dojo! In addition, each student has a code! With their account, they can track their behavior and create their own personal Dojo.
[FOR TEACHERS] Tips for Getting Started with Class Dojo
Here is really helpful advice written by Meghan B., a teacher in Philadelphia:
ClassDojo has been a part of my classroom over the last few years, and I will continue using it because it's SO easy, and families love it. I'd highly recommend you watch ClassDojo's Getting Started video, but I've also shared my top 5 tips and how to introduce ClassDojo to students!
ClassDojo has been a part of my classroom over the last few years, and I will continue using it because it's SO easy, and families love it. I'd highly recommend you watch ClassDojo's Getting Started video, but I've also shared my top 5 tips and how to introduce ClassDojo to students!
Top 5 tips for getting started:
- Make ClassDojo a regular part of the school day. Record attendance, give homework points, points for being on time, etc... Consistency is key.
- Allow students to take ownership: Let students vote on rewards, encourage them to customize avatars, check the website, and make time on the class computer for kids that don't have computers at home.
- Focus on positive reinforcement: Communicate that ClassDojo is in your classroom to help the team. Negative behaviors should be phrased as "helpful reminders", never punishments.
- Invite parents to be part of ClassDojo: Parents are your partners! Communicate your expectations at Back-to-School Night ask them to sign up to receive Reports and Messages from you. Show parents how you'll use the data to improve their child's learning experience.
- Show your enthusiasm: Energy is infectious! Show the kids why you love your system, and they'll feel your energy.
The first day of school: An introduction to ClassDojo Ahead of time, I like to have that little green ninja, Mojo, from ClassDojo located in a few places in the classroom. ClassDojo made a decoration pack you can download!
On the first day of school, when going over rules and procedures, I introduce the students to ClassDojo. I'll say something like:
"Now, you know how much I'm looking forward to having a successful, but very fun, school year. I am so excited that I get to share something really special with all of you today. Today, and for our school year, we are going to use a tool that will make learning more fun. It will also keep us on track so that we can all achieve our highest potential. Do you have any guesses on what that tool could be? Share your ideas with a partner/tablemates."
At this point, you've gotten their attention, and they're curious for what you're about to show them. I let them brainstorm some ideas, and that's a good opportunity to guide the conversation to where you're ready to show the student video using a projector. Here's the video on Youtube.
On the first day of school, when going over rules and procedures, I introduce the students to ClassDojo. I'll say something like:
"Now, you know how much I'm looking forward to having a successful, but very fun, school year. I am so excited that I get to share something really special with all of you today. Today, and for our school year, we are going to use a tool that will make learning more fun. It will also keep us on track so that we can all achieve our highest potential. Do you have any guesses on what that tool could be? Share your ideas with a partner/tablemates."
At this point, you've gotten their attention, and they're curious for what you're about to show them. I let them brainstorm some ideas, and that's a good opportunity to guide the conversation to where you're ready to show the student video using a projector. Here's the video on Youtube.
This is the part when my students are buzzing with excitement. Still using a projector, I show students how I've already set up our class, and they go wild when they see their names on the whiteboard. I show them how they're on the iPad and my iPhone as well. I'll give them points at this time so they see that ClassDojo is going to be used as a 'positive' reinforcement in my classroom.
Choosing your behaviors and awarding points! I chose to let my students decide which behaviors are important for the school year. Another option is to simply choose one or two behaviors to start with (ideally positive ones like 'Curiosity', 'Participation', or 'On task'). Once you get comfortable with regularly giving points to students, you can always add new behaviors over time!
Choosing your behaviors and awarding points! I chose to let my students decide which behaviors are important for the school year. Another option is to simply choose one or two behaviors to start with (ideally positive ones like 'Curiosity', 'Participation', or 'On task'). Once you get comfortable with regularly giving points to students, you can always add new behaviors over time!
- In classrooms with challenging behaviors, I find that my students do best when they start fresh with 0 points each Monday. I display the ClassDojo class view for the class often (Morning Meeting, after lunch, end of the day). Throughout the week, students gain/lose points. Friday afternoon, I record all positive points on a laminated class poster chart. Students can use these points to buy intangible rewards (lunch with a teacher, free time, sit with a friend, etc) for a predetermined amount.
- In classrooms where students are focused and motivated, the points can be refreshed less often. I had a class of fourth graders that requested that I refresh the points at the beginning of a new marking period. They liked seeing the point values increase each day. That class also enjoyed assigning one student to be the "Dojo Master" as a weekly job. This student was responsible for taking attendance and giving 'on-time' points as kids came into class each morning.